Are you willing to live with severe tooth pain because you’re that afraid of the dentist? Do you wish you could revamp your teeth but just can’t bring yourself to do it? Don’t allow your dental anxiety to prevent you from taking care of your oral health or improving the appearance of your teeth. It’s possible to get the dental care you need – and the stunning smile makeover you want – without worrying about what it takes to get there.
Push Pause on Dental Anxiety
You may think there is only one way to face the dentist – head-on. While there is some truth to this, your Johns Creek dentist is determined to ease you into whatever restorative, general, or cosmetic dentistry procedure you undergo. There are multiple ways to conquer your dental anxiety and have a painless dental appointment:
1. Deep relaxation
Laughing gas is a common and effective dental pain management option. The patient enters a state of light sedation and experiences a state of deep relaxation, and aid to help make it through whatever dental procedure they will undergo. The laughing gas is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose and expelled through the mouth. The effects are short-term and wear off quickly after the procedure is complete.
2. Local anesthesia
Dental anxiety takes different forms. If you can handle all aspects of being at the dentist but the thought of pain makes you freeze, local anesthesia may be just the right choice. A topical anesthetic is used to numb the gum and Novocaine is administered with a needle so you don’t feel any pain from the work being done.
3. Gentle sleep
With oral sedation, a patient can experience a light or moderate level of sedation. This method of sedation is simple and only requires taking a pill an hour before procedure. You may be able to sleep through the entire procedure, but you won’t be so knocked out that you can’t respond to your dentist. There is some recovery time after oral sedation and you’ll need help getting home.
4. All-in-one appointment
When you know that you need more than one procedure done to improve your oral health, getting as many things taken care of in one visit can help ease your mind. This is where oral sedation comes in handy, putting you in a zen state until your dental visit is complete. When your anxiety isn’t front and center it also makes it easier for your Johns Creek dentist to work efficiently.
5. Anticipation
If waiting for a dental appointment fills you with anxiety, try viewing the situation more optimistically. Looking forward to what’s to come after your time in the dentist’s chair can help minimize dental anxiety tenfold. If you have pain, it will go away. If you have stained teeth, they will be whiter. If you have a missing tooth, you will get a complete smile. Anticipation is half the fun (or half the battle) of getting a smile makeover.
Think of going to the dentist like getting on a plane, climbing to the highest peak, or whatever other fear you may have. Conquering it successfully will make you feel like a champion. And choosing a Johns Creek dentist like Dr. Mitul Patel will make you feel like a million bucks when you walk away with a healthy, beautiful new smile. Contact Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you manage your dental anxiety.
